Equity: How Homeowners Can Use It TODAY!

Posted by Scott Jacobs, Broker on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:39:28 AM By Scott Jacobs, Broker / January 3, 2023 Comment

Do you own a home? If so, then you have equity in that home. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount of money you still owe on your mortgage. If you own a home, there's a good chance that your equity has increased over the past few years as home values have risen and you've been paying your mortgage on time. Home equity increases over time and might assist you in achieving specific objectives. The average borrower currently owns approximately $300,000 in equity, according to CoreLogic's most recent Equity Insights Report.

Understanding your assets and how to use them is crucial as you consider your options, especially in light of inflation and recession rhetoric. The best source for information on how much equity you have in your house and suggestions on how to use it is a real estate expert. Here are a few examples.

Buy a Home That Meets Your Needs

It might be time to relocate to a bigger home if your current residence is insufficient for your needs. Or it's possible that you need something smaller because your area is too large. Whatever the circumstance, think about using your equity to move into a home that suits your evolving lifestyle.

You can utilize your equity to put a down payment on the property of your dreams if you want to renovate your current residence. And if you're looking to downsize, you might be startled to learn that some, if not all, of the price of your new house could be covered by your equity. You can use the equity you have in your house to help pay for your next one by calculating how much equity you have.

Put money back into your current home

A recent Point poll found that 39% of homeowners would spend their equity on home repair improvements if they so desired. If you want to make some changes to your living arrangement but aren't quite ready to relocate just yet, this is a fantastic alternative.

With the help of home remodeling projects, you may adapt your house to your needs and personal preferences. Just keep in mind that some upgrades add more value to your house and are more likely to appeal to potential buyers than others when making any updates. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) research, for instance, demonstrates that replacing or refinishing wood flooring has a high cost recovery. For the best guidance on selecting projects to invest in to receive the highest return on your investment when you sell, consult a local expert.

Follow Your Personal Goals

Property equity can assist you in achieving your life goals in addition to relocating or remodeling your home. That could entail financing a college degree, retiring or downsizing, or investing in a new company venture. Even though you shouldn't utilize your equity for frivolous purchases, using it to launch a business or pay for your education can help you realize other long-term objectives.

Many people don't realize that they can use their home equity to their advantage. Let’s discuss three ways that you can use your home equity to improve your financial situation!

1. Home Equity Loan: A home equity loan is a type of loan that allows you to borrow money against the equity in your home. This can be used for anything from home improvements to paying off other debts. The amount of the loan and interest rate will depend on your credit score, but it's generally lower than other forms of borrowing.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit: A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving loan that you can access when needed with a predetermined limit. It works like a credit card in which you can borrow up to the limit and make payments when it's convenient for you. The interest rates on these loans are typically lower than other forms of credit.

3. Cash Out Refinancing: This is when you take out a new loan to pay off your existing mortgage and receive the difference in cash. This can be used for anything from home improvements to paying off high-interest debts. The amount of cash you can receive will depend on how much equity you have in your home, but it can be a great way to access cash when needed.

These are just three of the ways that you can use your home equity to improve your financial situation. Be sure to talk with a financial advisor before taking on any loan or debt so they can help you make an informed decision. With the right knowledge and advice, you can use your home equity to your advantage.

Your equity might alter the course of events. Contact a trusted real estate advisor if you're unsure of the amount of equity you have in your house so you can begin making plans for your upcoming move.

Jacobs and Co. Real Estate is always here to help you. Visit us: www.jacobsandco.com